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Tasmanian Supreme Court Justice has Problem-Solving Background

The Attorney General, Lara Giddings, today announced the appointment of a new judge to sit on the Supreme Court of Tasmania.

“I welcome the appointment of Helen Wood, a Hobart magistrate of 15 years standing and Tasmania’s first female magistrate,” Ms Giddings said.

Magistrate Wood will fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Justice Pierre Slicer.

Ms Wood, 46, was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Tasmania and High Court of Australia in 1986.

“This is a very worthy appointment to the Supreme Court, with her impeccable legal career spanning almost 25 years including her current role as president of the Tasmanian Magistrate’s Association.

“She has worked extensively in all jurisdictions of the Magistrates Court, including criminal and civil, with a particular interest in youth justice.

“Magistrate Wood’s commitment to providing justice to all is reflected in her interest in sentencing and problem solving courts, such as court mandated drug diversion and youth justice,” Ms Giddings said.

“Over many years Magistrate Wood has shown a deep interest in the development of law relating to human rights and equal opportunity, has been chairperson of the Anti Discrimination Tribunal for 10 years, and was for 4 years chairperson of the Sex Discrimination Tribunal.